Former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, has criticized President Bola Tinubu's decision to acquire a new presidential jet, calling it a "leadership failure" amid the economic struggles faced by Nigerians.
The comments came after Tinubu’s senior aide, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed last week that a new presidential jet, an Airbus A330, had been procured to replace the aging 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 acquired during former President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration.
Speaking on Channels TV's "Inside Sources," hosted by Laolu Akande, Duke condemned the purchase, arguing that it sends the wrong message when many Nigerians are facing economic hardship. “There is no glamour in saying your people are going through hard times; it is a failure of your leadership,” Duke stated. “If I am the head of a family, I want my family to have everything. I don’t want life to be difficult for them."
Duke urged Tinubu to view Nigeria as his family, emphasizing that the well-being of the nation should be prioritized over luxury. “Buying a new aircraft or yacht or living large is a failure. You can’t have kids who are hungry and you are living lavishly, going to parties and wearing the biggest agbada,” Duke added.
The criticism highlights growing concerns about government spending during a period of economic difficulty for many citizens, with Duke urging leaders to make more empathetic decisions that reflect the realities faced by the general populace.
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